Zurich
Zurich is currently developing its cycling strategy beyond lanes: a bicycle tunnel, velostation, and an expanded bikeshare scheme demonstrates clear political will, yet quality protection and comfort are still lagging behind in key areas of the network. With a modal share up from 8% in 2019 to 11% today, a focused delivery of quality infrastructure will ensure the city can reach its goal to double modal share in the coming years.
22
Zürich is channeling efforts and investment into major, connective projects: a former automobile tunnel underneath the Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, has been turned into the bicycle-exclusive Stadttunnel. The tunnel provides a direct and protected corridor for cyclists in a vital transit zone. It has been equipped with tactically placed bicycle stations at the entrance and exit. End-of-trip facilities have also increased; there is now an 800-space bicycle parking facility at the Stadelhofen station and 240 self-service bike stations distributed across town. Throughout the cycling network, a ground color-coded system is helping users instantly identify the type of route they are cycling on. This has made Zurich’s bicycle paths and tracks more legible and predictable for all.
Cycling policy is hands-on and can take a long time to put into place. The 2012 Masterplan Velo under Stadtverkehr 2025 has set lofty goals to double cycling’s modal share, improve safety, and make riding accessible for all ages. The ambitious Cycling Strategy 2030, named “Velostandards Stadt Zürich”, builds on the foundational plan with clear, contemporary standards. A dedicated city team delivers tactical cycling measurements, setting ambitious timelines for test pilots and improvements to the existing cycling network, while consistently sharing progress with residents on the city website. Finally, citywide education anchors bicycle efforts in Zurich: all public-school children take the police run Veloprüfung (cycling exam), instilling cycling skills and confidence in them from a very young age.
“ With the backbone of an ambitious cycling strategy, a dedicated team, and the momentum of successful flagship projects, Zürich must now commit to quality infrastructure throughout its network. ”
In order to continue building on its strong strategy, Zurich must further strengthen its infrastructure by bringing protection, coherence and continuity to the entire network, with special attention paid to the main corridors and intersections. Additionally, the city must support everyday use with the right facilities in the right places: increase secure parking facilities to ensure comfort in areas with a high potential for intermodality, and establish long-term storage in space-constrained housing. Finally, promote the uptake of cargo bikes through incentives geared to families and businesses, generous infrastructure and adapted facilities so that cycling in Zurich can be adapted to all.
